Some sim racers never use gloves. Others won’t race without them. Both can be right — it depends on your hands, your wheel rim, and how long you drive.

When gloves help most

  • Sweaty hands: better grip with less “death grip” tension.
  • Alcantara/suede rims: gloves can reduce wear and keep the rim cleaner.
  • Long sessions: comfort and reduced friction can matter more than you expect.
  • High torque wheels: gloves can soften small pressure points.

What to look for in sim racing gloves

  • Fit: snug but not restrictive (no bunching in the palm).
  • Breathability: mesh or ventilated material helps long sessions.
  • Grip: enough to reduce slipping, not so sticky it catches.
  • Touchscreen tips: useful if you run a SimHub dash on a phone/tablet.

Common mistakes

  • Buying gloves that are too thick and losing fine control
  • Ignoring seam placement (seams can rub during long stints)
  • Never washing them (yes, it matters)

Tip: If you’re buying gloves to fix pain, check your ergonomics first. Gloves can help comfort, but they won’t fix a bad wheel position.

Related guides